AELP

On Monday, I had the privilege of attending the APPG on Apprenticeships in person, facilitated by Andrew Paks MP, with Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith in attendance. During her opening speech, she mentioned, "English & Maths, we have listened to the concerns." When it was my turn to ask questions, I inquired if she could elaborate on what "listening to the concerns" meant, given that one can leave school and university without English and Maths. She responded with a smile and a simple "NO," but agreed with my point. The pressing question remains: how much longer must we wait for a resolution on this issue? While I agree that we need to measure progress in English & Maths, this should not be a barrier to completing apprenticeship programmes. Last week, AELP shared findings from their mini commission, and one recommendation stood out to me: "Remove FSQs as an exit requirement for apprenticeships, aligning them with T Levels and A Levels. This change would enable more learners to start and complete apprenticeships. Providers and employers would be less likely to impose entry restrictions, leading to increased participation, achievement, and progression, especially for those with the lowest levels of prior achievement or who may be disadvantaged." The report offers many more insights, which I highly recommend as a starting point for addressing concerns and finding ready-made solutions. Jacqui Smith happy to continue the conversation with you. If you haven't seen the report https://lnkd.in/dSvC8kUk

📣 Discover what works and how you can play your part in tackling the growing NEET crisis by joining us on this FREE TO ATTEND AELP Webinar - which is kindly sponsored by Gateway Qualifications. By the end of this webinar, you will: 👉 Understand the challenges and opportunities for engaging with NEETs; 👉 Gain practical insights into the type of programmes and curriculum that work; 👉 Uncover the funding options to support you engage with NEETs. Book your FREE spot here 👇 https://buff.ly/3ZwUicy

📣 There is still time to book your spot on this AELP Webinar where we will be supporting and providing guidance for organisations that are seeking accreditation or approaching re-accreditation for matrix Standards during 2024/25 A reminder that if you register but are unable to attend on the day, you will receive a copy of the recording along with the slides, after the webinar has taken place. This session will help delegates to: 👉Develop a greater understanding of matrix and effective strategies to embed into governance, leadership, management, and quality arrangements; 👉Use the strategies discussed to take back to their own organisation and use in planning and preparation for Matrix accreditation/re-accreditation processes; 👉Consider strategies for embedding the matrix Standards into their quality arrangements aligning stages and processes to the EIF and inspection requirements for good practice. Book your spot here 👇 https://buff.ly/3ODvIBQ

The secret is out, our AI & Digital Summit is back for 2025! The summit, sponsored by Bud, takes place on Wednesday 26 February 2025, at the Millennium Point in Birmingham, and online! Register your interest to be within the first to find out more👉 https://buff.ly/3DeLLUt #aelpAI25

📣 Join us on this AELP Webinar where we will be applying theory to practice - 'Making it Real' - for learners and staff. This webinar is designed for: 👉 Governance board members, leaders and managers; 👉 Designated Safeguarding Leads/Officers and team members responsible for safeguarding and Prevent working in any provider setting operating in the FE and Skills sector; 👉 Lead sector practitioners/teachers. Book your spot here 👇 https://buff.ly/3YWwezM

📣 Drive Student Success through Dynamic Assessment Practices by joining us on this AELP Webinar. This webinar will help delegates to: 👉 Understand key principles of Assessment for Learning (AfL) and how they apply to diverse learning environments; 👉 Identify practical assessment strategies that foster active engagement and support differentiated instruction; 👉 Develop skills in formative assessment to monitor and enhance student progress continuously; 👉 Explore effective feedback techniques that encourage self-reflection and deeper learning in students. Book your spot here 👇 https://buff.ly/48UdUfh

Meet our judges. The Apprenticeship and Training Awards 2025 judging panel comprises a distinguished group of experts from across the education, skills, and training sectors. Chaired by Shane Mann, the panel brings a wealth of experience to the table, ensuring every application is carefully reviewed and fairly judged against the criteria. Our judges represent a diverse range of perspectives, united by a shared passion for celebrating excellence in apprenticeships and training. Their dedication to recognising the very best in the sector is integral to the success of these awards. Below is the full list of judges for this year. Chair: Shane Mann | Vice chair: Ben Rowland Judges: Charlotte Bosworth, Susanna Lawson DipIoD, Sharron Robbie MBE, Sharon Green, Sharon Blyfield OBE, Robert Ramsay Gosling-Kennedy, Shane Chowen, Paddy Craven FIEP, Lindsay Conroy, Jason Holt CBE, Jane Hadfield, Isa Mutlib FIEP, Assoc CIPD, Ian Bamford, Holly Hobbs 🤳🏽, Graham Briggs, Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee FRSA, Ben Rowland, Ben Blackledge, Anne Milton, Alexia Williams. For more info: https://lnkd.in/ec9V33yY

This morning we have published the findings from our Mini Commission on Functional Skills Qualifications. The findings are astonishing - only 1 in 4 apprenticeship vacancies are now open to those without prior English and maths qualifications. Well intentioned, but flawed, apprenticeship rules are resulting in potential learners missing out on vital English and maths support. We believe functional skills should be removed as an exit requirement for apprenticeships. Read the full report here: https://buff.ly/4gq5eQR

For the first time, we are offering exhibition at our infamous A Day with Ofsted! This is a great opportunity to promote your organisation to an audience of sector peers. 📆 Wednesday 22 January 2025 📍 Millennium Point, Birmingham Book your stand 👉 https://buff.ly/4ieol1p #aelpADWO25